Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Raleigh is 47% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,468/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
$82,424/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 27%
$377,800 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 48%
$1,487/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 21%
470,763
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $21,937/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Raleigh or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Lubbock?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Lubbock?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $21,937/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Lubbock details →

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